Severe gales reaching speeds of up to 155km/h (96mph) have left approximately 90,000 properties lacking electricity and led agencies to cancel over 100 aircraft departures, based on regional news sources.
The gales are impacting the entire southern region and southern parts of the North Island, as stated by the country's meteorological service.
Officials in New Zealand have issued infrequent red wind warnings - the most severe warning - in core zones including these major districts.
Locals have been urged to stay indoors, avoid travel, and make arrangements for further utility disruptions.
Extensive Damage and Crisis Measures
This outage seems to be impacting homes mostly in the South Island, though authorities report that energy was being gradually reinstated.
Regional news have reported that in certain areas roofs have been ripped off houses, whereas utility poles and vegetation have been toppled by the gales.
Within the capital, a person was lost his life after being struck by a falling limb at a frequent walking route on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a female was swept into moving cars on a road by a strong gust of wind, in a incident that was filmed in a viral dashcam video.
Air travel in and out of the city have been suspended due to the weather, and certain highways and community centers are also closed.
At the same time authorities in Canterbury have declared a crisis declaration, to facilitate disaster response efforts.
Strike Action Amid Harsh Conditions
The wild winds on this day coincide with tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are participating in what has been described as a "mega strike", calling for improved salaries and workplace environments.
But the intense climate has forced them to change various scheduled activities, with various open-air gatherings relocated inside or cancelled.
Comparable winds are also sweeping the neighboring country, causing a heatwave to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have announced flame prohibitions for fear of wildfires.
